Mac Mini Upgrade

My 2009 mac mini has just dropped audio, tried resetting PRAM and all the usual SMC options but it just won't come back on, so I'm thinking of just getting rid of it and finally biting the bullet and moving over to one of the newer models!

I primarily just use these as a server for work however it also doubles up nicely as my media centre running xbmc to my panel, I was just wondering a few things regarding the newer model mac mini...

1. Is 5.1 audio supported over the hdmi connection?
2. How silent does it run?
3. Is the base 2gb model fit enough to handle constant 1080p play?

0. Check System Preferences > Sound > Output or OPTION/Alt click the sound/volume icon in the Menu Bar and tell us, what is listed and checked as Output Device.

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1. Seems that way.
2. I don't know, but the fan will kick in when the Mac mini is running CPU intensive applications nonetheless.
3. Probably, but Mac OS X 10.7 Lion and OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion run much better with 4 GB RAM, and as the 2011 Mac mini supports up to 32 GB RAM, though only 8 GB 204-pin DDR3 SO-DIMM RAM modules exist, 16 GB is the current maximum.
8 GB (two 4 GB sticks) currently costs less than 50 USD, 16 GB (two 8 GB sticks) can be had for less than 100 USD.

HDMI does carry sound, the mini will start to whirr a bit with constant video viewing (but not incredibly loud) i would say upgrade to at least 4gb of RAM, since the ludicrously small 2gb supplied is just stupid. what im gonna do when i get mine is to go with 8gb, since its only £40 (sorry, i dont speak colonial )

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